BEFORE YOU RUN TO THE COMMENTS SPEWING NEGATIVITY at least listen to ALL the words I said very carefully. I did not attack anyone and I did not cast blame. I only stated well known facts and history. Didn’t even get below the tip of the iceberg. If you’re not here to offer a constructive solution or constructive insight. Don’t even bother commenting. I’m sure someone will bring up the 13% pop, 50% crime stat but that does not prove any point. Everything is cause and effect. If you want to have an intelligent, productive, academic conversation about this subject feel free. We’re all human.
👍 Great evaluation. Because you always dig into the lyrics, here's another 10 from Pete Townshend. (and some of his best lead playing) It's Kenny Jones on drums, not Mooney, but still great. Genius lyrics. The Who Naked Eye ua-cam.com/video/KqQCZNWaMBY/v-deo.html RIP Mooney and John. Thank You!
Nice preemptive strike... I watch your channel because your reactions are insightful and usually always on point. Don't let a couple of jackass trolls take you out of your game. Neil has always been able to open up a can of worms and start a conversation. Still going strong 50 plus years on.
Neil Young has always been an outspoken activist since the early 60's. Check out his song about the killings that happened at Kent State University... "OHIO"
This was written during the time when bigots were fighting court ordered integration in schools & businesses, and when Neil saw a wrong he wrote about it. And God bless him for it. Great song & reaction.✌️❤️🎶
Actually the only real opposition to school integration was from Alabama governor (D) George Wallace. Latter on when inner city kids were going to be bused into suburban schools, everybody's favorite Delaware senator (D)Joe Biden declared he did not want schools turned into jungles.
As a 75 year old woman who subscribes, I am very appreciative that you actually listen to the lyrics and give insightful reactions. Never be afraid to give an honest opinion. This song demands one.
Hey! 67 year old Canadian, living in British Columbia’s southern interior mountains. A Neil Young fan for well over 50 years. This was an incredibly important song - certainly at the time it was released (and resonates today) I love this guys reactions! He deserves a lot more subs! Peace
Also from BC southern Interior, have been a fan of Neil Young 🇨🇦 since the early 60’s. His song writing & his involvement in the civil rights, protests of the American involvement in the Vietnam war, much like today’s Israeli slaughter of people of Gaza with American weapons & billions of dollars in aid, Neil has never backed down. He is beloved in his native country 🇨🇦 and to this day is still recording albums.
A black guy I used to work with and I were talking about movies. I mentioned a bad movie I had seen in downtown Chattanooga. We both grew up there. I'll never forget what he said. He said. "They wouldn't let me in." That comment went through me like a knife!
Neil Young is The MAN. As a native born Canadian, Neil is a GREAT American. He could clearly see the injustice in America, all over it but largely in the "Deep South", The Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, etc. and he had something to say about it. Not sure if it was the genesis of a lot of the anti-racism in the U.S., but I am sure "Southern Man" played a part. It opened peoples eyes to a lot of the B.S. that was happening, and called them to the carpet to do something about it. A lot still needs to be done, but things are getting a little better, bit by bit. As a 65+ White male in the Mid-Atlantic region, here it's "okay", but in other areas it is still pretty grim. Thank You JM for reacting and speaking the truth about our history and the need for more progress and change.
I was born and raised in Alabama, and there was still a good bit of racism when I lived there in the '70s, 80s, and '90s. With that said, I've lived in the Mid-Atlantic region for over twenty years, and it can still be pretty bad in this region. Maryland still has certain towns that are known as "sun-down towns"-- where black people are expected to leave the towns before sunset each day. Terrible but true!
Yeah Christianman, I was born in Maryland, the northern part, and I now live in Pennsylvania, but I think you are referring to southern and southeastern parts of the state, that are very rural, along the DelMarVa region. So I do believe that is possible there, but not as much as in the other region I mentioned. But you speak the truth, that type of "behavior" shouldn't exist anywhere in a "free" country.
Neil, IMO, was reacting to the images of the late '50's and early '60's as well what still going on when this song was released. When I was growing up in Ontario, got lots of news about some of the race riots of the late '60's and early '70's. Also learned about the slavery, mostly from movies and shows like Roots. Sadly, it wasn't until I was an adult with grown children, that I learned about Canada's own terrible racists history and how that is still going on today.
Yhis song was released soo long ago, and I cry because these lyrics are still relevant. I'm white and my boyfriend is black. Over the 25 yrs we've been together, I sometimes forget he is black until something or someone treats him badly, or he just goes through a traumatizing, racist experience and I feel his pain that he has learned to hide or take in stride. Racism is only better now that it's more polished under a false veneer. I see it all the time. 🥺 I do love that you played this old gem❣️
Great analysis. As well as everything you said, I just love his voice. For me, no one can sing like Neil Young. He can raise emotions like few others, apart form the blues singers of old.
Great reaction young man! I have listened to Neil Young's music all of my life and I have only one correction for you. Neil was Canadian born and (just as most foreign born people who come to America)he was astounded by the racism in this country. The lines "I've seen your black man comin' round" and "Swear by God I'm gonna cut him down." they refer to a hanging and Neil is talking about how he wants to cut the man down from the tree.
Just my opinion, but I think he was singing this verse from the perspective of a white man who is attracted to a white woman, Lily Belle. He threatens to kill (cut down) a black man that she is seeing. "Lily Belle, your hair is golden brown, I've seen your black man comin' 'round, Swear by God I'm gonna cut him down..."
@@gesundheit602 Or maybe it is the Southern Man talking at first, then Neil saying he is going to cut the black man down fr the proverbial lynching tree.That's how I interpret it.
@@mikensd I think if that was the case Neil would’ve painted a picture of a hanging within the lyrics. The only way the phrase “cut him down” stands on its own is when it’s used to mean killing someone, it’s a well used phrase in the english language. It works as it is written the way I interpret it. In order to interpret it as having something to do with a hanging, you have to make assumptions.
@@gesundheit602 Just seeing this and no assumptions on my part. Neil explained the lyrics to this song in an interview soon after its release because of the controversy involved. The black man comin' round refers to the movement of him swinging from the rope. I'm not trying to be graphic, that is how he explained it.
In high school my english teacher in the very early 1970’s wanted us to play a song from an artist. I played this and he looked like a deer in headlights
You clearly have a lot of insight for a young guy, it's wonderful to hear you speaking your truth. I for one hope you never stop playing and reacting to these songs from American history that deal with such important issues. I'm an English guy in my 70s and I'll never tire of hearing all these songs from the sixties and seventies which had huge importance for me when they were first written and performed and still have such relevance today. Keep up the good work my friend, it is hugely important to me and many others. I bid you goodnight.
My favourite song from my favourite Neil Young album. Great music and perfect social comment. And your commentary really nailed it. Who could ask for more? (PS, I'm a 73 year old white British man who went on his first anti-apartheid demonstration in 1968).
Love Neil Young and what he always stood for, very risky to write and preform this song even in the 70s but so powerful and thankful Neil wasn't concerned for doing g the right thing ! Great reaction
The song was released in 1970 - which makes it even more amazing that a white artist would write it and perform it back then. He was hated for this song by southern bands and people, and I would always say to the ones I knew, "Well, if you're not a racist, why wouldn't you agree with the song?" Nothing but silence as an answer. Neil Young - Canadian-born, was twice as shocked by many Southern people's attitude toward black people as he would have been growing up here. He is, and was, a powerhouse, fearless artist, who said what he had to say and was willing to take the risk and the heat. An incredible storyteller, and this is one of his most honest, soul-jerking, gut-wrenching songs. The guitar work (he has an incredibly unique style of playing - both acoustic and electric guitar) in this song becomes a perfect match to what the words mean, a masterpiece of simple but loudly stated agony. Thank you for reviewing this. He has many, many more songs - all masterfully written and played - he is an artist well worth exploring.
It's very true "Sandra Peters". It was released in 1970. Since I am a person who lived and participated in the political and social issues of the time. There were several ways we demonstrated our views, patches on our jeans with social statements, growing our hair, chaining ourselves to statues, sit-ins, and song. Artists were not afraid to be on what we considered "the right side of history". I for one marched for equality with my black brothers and sisters. I protested our involvement in Vietnam. I refuse to rewrite history by calling it a war.... It was never declared a war by Congress. I still see the struggles of my black friends and my integrated family. A black student (male or female) has to be better than best to be recognized. If they're multicultural they have two strikes against them before they begin. It needs to stop. We are supposed to be an enlightened culture...... I'm still waiting. But I will never give up!
I grew up in New England in a rural area. Everyone was White. Catholic/Protestent/Jewish. Not deeply aware of the Black/White racial issues. Yes, 'Southern Man' was truly a profound song when it came out. It took me years to get deeper insights into how racism is embedded in our 'DNA".. Appreciate your comments, on all the songs you listen too. Love your commentaries and the songs you play. Keep up the GREAT WORK
Great tune by one of our musical icons . . . I have been listening to NY since I was just a kid . . . his music never gets old . . . enjoyed your analysis JMBOY . . . cheers and thanks!
Neil Young is Canadian. I think he was shocked by racism in southern USA. Canada is dealing with racism too. Everything you said JM is true. I am a white 74 year old Canadian woman. I am sad and dismayed that White Supremacy is operating so strongly in Republican politics. I often wonder when humans will see that we are all members of one family and that is a wonderful thing.
You may want to educate yourself about American history. It was actually the Democratic party that tried to keep slavery, formed the Ku Klux Klan and consistently voted against civil rights in the 1960s. Abraham Lincoln was a Republican. vua-cam.com/video/g_a7dQXilCo/v-deo.html
And I appreciate that you listened to Neil's words that carefully. It's one hell of a song. Look up 'Sweet Home Alabama, 'and the 'conversation' between Neil and Skynyrd, if you don't already know about it. Wild stuff.
Thank you for your insight and response to this song. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama is, of course, the response from Ronnie VanZandt to Neil Young. The band Drive-by-Truckers have a song Ronnie and Neil that discusses both and provides an epilogue to the story. I strongly recommend it to everyone interested in digging into the story.
This song is deep. As a child I lived in the country until I was 6. My mother moved us to an apartment in the city, the not nice part. The people across the hall were a black man and a white woman. Being 6 years old and from a very small country town I had very little exposure to another race. I didn’t think much of it, I was just a kid and thought everyone was nice.a few weeks later I saw the man and he was beat up, I asked why. He said because he was a black man with a white woman. I remember this so well because it was my first experience with racism. This was in 1978. Listen to Lynard Skynard Sweet Home Alabama. It’s their response to Neil Young
It’s Southern Man. The rest of the story is Ronnie calling Neil to run this lyric, and the story’s context by him. Van Zant had great respect for Neil and would have changed it had Neil found any trouble with it. He didn’t. In fact he understood the importance of the impact it gave the subject matter. They both shared a common hatred of lingering racism in the post Civil Rights Era. Neil was (as mentioned earlier) impressed with Ronnie’s respect, and the two became fast friends within the songwriting community.
Good post, young man. I lived through many years of this history. Don't worry about anybody who doesn't show respect. At least they are listening to your post. I will check out your channel and see if I can make some suggestions for you. Been around since 1948.
Man, I've always enjoyed your reactions when I remember to watch them (don't hate me I follow a lot of people), but this really points out how organized and sharp you are in commentary. You, off-the-cuff (well, it felt that way okay) gave an essay with grace that offers and emphasizes dignity for everyone without preaching, but also without fear. Tellin' it like it is. I enjoyed your discussion just as much as I do the song, and that is quite a dang bit.
You are 100 perfect accurate, my friend. Whites have an advantage, and I have seen this personally. I grew up poor on a small dirt farm and lived in a four room shack with no indoor plumbing in the early 60s and was not accepted by most people who were more fortunate than my family but we were treated much better than black families who were well off.
Fortunately Society evolves whether individuals are ready for it or not, just like nature. We're living in another evolutionary phase, thank God .. love your values love your character and love your genuine reactions young man. Keep doing you. The world needs more like you❤
Southern Man was on the first Neil Young album I bought. The first several listens, I sat frozen. I quite enjoy watching your reaction,' mine was pretty much the same. Keep playing and reacting to a wide variety of songs.
Neil realiy continues this attack on Alabama from the next album, Harvest. Highly recommend that as well. Personaliy i think it's an even better song. Great answer to the "go back to Africa comment". That made me chuckle.
Facts! Thank you for your bravery in explaining this and expounding on it. You told the truth and did it in a nonjudgmental way. I don't think I could have done that. I'm a 64-year-old Christian white woman who was deeply affected by the events of the 1960s (no parental warnings on the news in those days). I was almost 4 when Kennedy was assassinated, 8 when Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy were assassinated, but the one that gutted me was the assassination of Dr. King. I couldn't wrap my 8-year-old mind around killing someone who did so much good because of the color of his skin. Racism isn't innate; it's taught and modeled. Thank God I didn't grow up in a family like that, and neither did my daughter. This really burns her, too. I do agree, though, that racism is systemic in American society. So many problems we have in this country stem from its original sin of slavery that has never truly been repented of. Any one who wants to come at you or at me for my comments better know their Bible, because I will lambaste them with scripture and logic, and I will not be bullied. I'll just come out swinging harder. We must stand up to this disgusting trend of bullying because bullies are cowards.
One of Neil's most radical songs. This and Alabama from his previous album inspired Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd to wite the classic Sweet Home Alabama as a diss track where he mentioned Neil Young specifically. Neil and Van Zant did come to be friends before the latter died. Whatever your opinions of either, you have to admit that both are powerful songs. Excellent analysis bro.
@@adamherman3976 So how often have you heard a song about slavery and the KKK that holds the South culpable for the horror done to the Africans? If that's not radical, nothing is.
Thanks for the reaction, and for your amazing take on the history of race relations in this country. Amazing job of accurately encapsulating the actual history with your own experience of prejudice -- all with a smile on your face and good intentions in your heart. Well done! I'm curious: did you study history? Or just a history buff?
You cut to the crux of the biscuit, and with grace and style. As a Southern man or rather Southern gentleman, let me extend a hand of honest fraternity. We are not all alike, and far too many are not really gentlemen. I was tested in the first days of busing, when a riot broke out, and people were going at each other, mostly white ruffians causing the problems. We hippies hung out with black folk, so when a brother and I spotted one another while standing under a walkway, neither seemed inclined toward outward harm. Before long, we were sending representatives from our school up to Boston, to show them ways of resolving conflict. But Charlotte has always been more progressive than the hinterlands, both then and now. Intermarriage is the only answer...in every seeming instance of intractability. Arab and Jew, Shia and Sunni, Jekyll and Goliath...
Absolutely loved this album and most of the songs on it, was about 15 when l got this album and lm a white boy from oz, truly loved southern man and took me quite a long time to even realise what young was singing about,just the music emotion ,tone of singing with emotion is what set it apart to me.. ultimately the lyrics made sence of the emotions.
I just found you and have so enjoyed watching you react to some of the best music made. I’m a 68 year young lady, who loves all music but has a soft spot for old rock and roll. Try Leon Russell’s Salty Candy or any of his tunes. He’s Awesome! I’ll keep watching you keep listening to the oldie but goodies. Take care!!
Another great review - you have a great way of quickly getting to the point, while holding a big umbrella. A lot of wisdom in a direct but comprehensive way- 😘🍀
@@williamfarr8807 - Yes, Sorry. I'm a little confused because the "After The Gold Rush Album" was released in 1970, which had this song on it. But I was googling to make sure of the release date, and for some reason it's telling us 1977. I don't know the backstory on the feud between Neil and Lynyrd Skynyrd over the song, but maybe it has something to do with that?
When speaking about Sweet Home Alabama people say, "Oh, but they all became great friends and sang each others songs and wore each other's tee shirts." That never meant dick to me. One guy said, "don't be a violent racist." The response was, "get lost." If someone says "don't be a violent racist," then you don't criticize them.
Neil broke a guitar string during the solo (the section where it drops out and the accompaniment keeps going) and got a new guitar plugged in and went back at it. Amazing!!
he’s canadian, and Lynard Skynard responded to this song by writing Sweet Home Alabama. Neil was commenting on the slavery issue, LS took it as a disrespect of their Southern identity. I would listen to that next
Neil Young wrote and sung Southern Man and Ohio. Gordon Lightfoot wrote and sung, Black Days in July. Amazing that these Canadians were bringing these issues to light.
hard to hear you experience that sort of treatment, still in this day and age. i've watched another reaction to this song and i am amazed at how cool and calm you remain. this song enrages me, i would think there would be a more visceral reaction to it. it paints such a horrible picture of what went on in those days. and as we have come to see, in many people this hatred and racism is alive and well. we should have progressed far past this by now. glad you got to hear the great neil young, one of my fav artists and songs. i grew up with such great music, rock, soul, r&b, disco, etc. so so much. love it all.
Neil caused quite an uproar in some areas of the country with this song about some people in those areas. Many replied with their own lyrics in popular songs. "Hope Neil Young will remember, a southern man don't need him around anyhow" ... Ronnie Van Zant - Lynyrd Skynyrd- "Sweet Home Alabama"
fun fact, Ronnie said later that Neil was one of his favorite artists of all time but he felt he just had to reply to this song since he said not all Southerners were racists.
@@BigTimeRushFan2112 Yes but the song Alabama is the one that pissed him off although they ended up being friends anyway. Aren't most of the Allman bros from Florida as well.
Leaving politics aside this is a great album. One superb song after another. I remember I was trying to teach myself acoustic guitar at the time. I bought the sheet music and learned every song in it---and played them all badly.
There is a documentary about Neil Y', a number of years ago, around the start of the Iraq/Afgan wars that America and Allies fought in,....Neil had an album about :"the wars". In this documentary, a fan, middle aged man was interviewed departing a concert by Neil. This man said that he didn't like that Neil gets "political",....ah, you can't really be a fan of Neil Young, without knowing and hearing his views and messages on society and history!
I have black people in my family... Thankfully! I love them! I am a 72 year old white lady... Old hippie. This song was released before I got married in the late sixties. There was a lot of turmoil over racial differences in the south. I think the southern whites never got over having to give up their slaves and tried to keep the status quo as much as possible to the point of murdering anyone who tried to make any changes. There is a very old song entitled "Strange Fruit" referring to the lynchings. My dad's family lived in Alabama when they came over from Germany and we went to visit the relatives. It was horrific!! 😢😭😫
There is another version that Young performs with Crosby, Stills and Nash that has a longer instrumental part that is even better because of the added elements of CSN🎶🎶
@michaelwelsh7362 exactly back to back solos by Stills almost each guitar calling and answering each other...going from left channel to right and back with Stills and Young....dueling guitars....and on that album they do Carry On with great guitar solos much better than the original versions....too many wimp boys never hear the electric versions with the guitar interplay...
Wow. great commentary. Usually when I chance on a reaction video what I see is people who just don't get it. Maybe it's just the difference in music today compared to the era this was released in and people aren't used to musicians putting themselves on the line for what they believe. Neil has always done so, and it was nice to see you go right into the heart of what Neil is driving at here. I'll check out more of your vids. Nice job.
When Neil Young put out the double album “ A Journey into the Past “ & on it was the song “Alabama “ . It was in response to this song that Lynyrd Skynyrd put out “ Sweet Home Alabama”. In the song he says that he heard Neil sing about her . Check these two songs out back to back
Neil Young has written some of rock music's very best protest songs: OHIO ROCKIN' IN THE FREE WORLD CORTEZ THE KILLER AFTER THE GOLD RUSH POWDERFINGER ALABAMA THIS NOTE'S FOR YOU
Great and important song. Neil addressed this topic again with "Alabama". And of course there was the south's response in Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama".
Like many Canadian artists that travelled and found the USA to be full of questionable status, and lost in the dark ages. More songs antiwar or anti-racism are from many NON-USA songwriters. Neil is master writer. Listen to "Black Day in July" from Gordon Lightfoot for a real observation of truth in Detroit 1967.
BEFORE YOU RUN TO THE COMMENTS SPEWING NEGATIVITY at least listen to ALL the words I said very carefully. I did not attack anyone and I did not cast blame. I only stated well known facts and history. Didn’t even get below the tip of the iceberg.
If you’re not here to offer a constructive solution or constructive insight. Don’t even bother commenting. I’m sure someone will bring up the 13% pop, 50% crime stat but that does not prove any point. Everything is cause and effect.
If you want to have an intelligent, productive, academic conversation about this subject feel free. We’re all human.
On Point My Friend.
Preach, brother, what you spoke is the truth! 💯
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynard Skynard, do respond to this song
👍
Great evaluation.
Because you always dig into the lyrics, here's another 10 from Pete Townshend. (and some of his best lead playing) It's Kenny Jones on drums, not Mooney, but still great.
Genius lyrics.
The Who Naked Eye
ua-cam.com/video/KqQCZNWaMBY/v-deo.html
RIP Mooney and John. Thank You!
Nice preemptive strike... I watch your channel because your reactions are insightful and usually always on point. Don't let a couple of jackass trolls take you out of your game. Neil has always been able to open up a can of worms and start a conversation. Still going strong 50 plus years on.
Neil Young is right. Down with racism always.
Neil is a GIANT!! Has the balls to speak truth. One of the best song writers to ever live. His library of music is legendary.
Neil Young has always been an outspoken activist since the early 60's. Check out his song about the killings that happened at Kent State University... "OHIO"
Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
Cortez the Killer , Down by the River
Yes! "Ohio."
This was written during the time when bigots were fighting court ordered integration in schools & businesses, and when Neil saw a wrong he wrote about it. And God bless him for it. Great song & reaction.✌️❤️🎶
Actually the only real opposition to school integration was from Alabama governor (D) George Wallace. Latter on when inner city kids were going to be bused into suburban schools, everybody's favorite Delaware senator (D)Joe Biden declared he did not want schools turned into jungles.
As a 75 year old woman who subscribes, I am very appreciative that you actually listen to the lyrics and give insightful reactions. Never be afraid to give an honest opinion. This song demands one.
I could not agree more. I am a 73 year old white woman and JMBOY is my favorite reactioner because of his comments.
Hey! 67 year old Canadian, living in British Columbia’s southern interior mountains. A Neil Young fan for well over 50 years. This was an incredibly important song - certainly at the time it was released (and resonates today)
I love this guys reactions! He deserves a lot more subs!
Peace
Also from BC southern Interior, have been a fan of Neil Young 🇨🇦 since the early 60’s. His song writing & his involvement in the civil rights, protests of the American involvement in the Vietnam war, much like today’s Israeli slaughter of people of Gaza with American weapons & billions of dollars in aid, Neil has never backed down. He is beloved in his native country 🇨🇦 and to this day is still recording albums.
Bravo
Agreed.
"Don't forget what your good book says." What a great line from a great song! Thanks for doing this one!
A black guy I used to work with and I were talking about movies. I mentioned a bad movie I had seen in downtown Chattanooga. We both grew up there. I'll never forget what he said. He said. "They wouldn't let me in." That comment went through me like a knife!
Neil is amazing and so are you. Keep up the great works. Trolls suck.
Neil Young is The MAN. As a native born Canadian, Neil is a GREAT American. He could clearly see the injustice in America, all over it but largely in the "Deep South", The Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, etc. and he had something to say about it. Not sure if it was the genesis of a lot of the anti-racism in the U.S., but I am sure "Southern Man" played a part. It opened peoples eyes to a lot of the B.S. that was happening, and called them to the carpet to do something about it. A lot still needs to be done, but things are getting a little better, bit by bit. As a 65+ White male in the Mid-Atlantic region, here it's "okay", but in other areas it is still pretty grim. Thank You JM for reacting and speaking the truth about our history and the need for more progress and change.
I was born and raised in Alabama, and there was still a good bit of racism when I lived there in the '70s, 80s, and '90s. With that said, I've lived in the Mid-Atlantic region for over twenty years, and it can still be pretty bad in this region. Maryland still has certain towns that are known as "sun-down towns"-- where black people are expected to leave the towns before sunset each day. Terrible but true!
Yeah Christianman, I was born in Maryland, the northern part, and I now live in Pennsylvania, but I think you are referring to southern and southeastern parts of the state, that are very rural, along the DelMarVa region. So I do believe that is possible there, but not as much as in the other region I mentioned. But you speak the truth, that type of "behavior" shouldn't exist anywhere in a "free" country.
Neil, IMO, was reacting to the images of the late '50's and early '60's as well what still going on when this song was released.
When I was growing up in Ontario, got lots of news about some of the race riots of the late '60's and early '70's.
Also learned about the slavery, mostly from movies and shows like Roots.
Sadly, it wasn't until I was an adult with grown children, that I learned about Canada's own terrible racists history and how that is still going on today.
Yhis song was released soo long ago, and I cry because these lyrics are still relevant. I'm white and my boyfriend is black. Over the 25 yrs we've been together, I sometimes forget he is black until something or someone treats him badly, or he just goes through a traumatizing, racist experience and I feel his pain that he has learned to hide or take in stride. Racism is only better now that it's more polished under a false veneer. I see it all the time. 🥺
I do love that you played this old gem❣️
How long, how long?
I’m a long time Neil Young fan. This is the best online discussion of Southern Man that I have seen. Thank you.
Great analysis. As well as everything you said, I just love his voice. For me, no one can sing like Neil Young. He can raise emotions like few others, apart form the blues singers of old.
Great reaction young man! I have listened to Neil Young's music all of my life and I have only one correction for you. Neil was Canadian born and (just as most foreign born people who come to America)he was astounded by the racism in this country. The lines "I've seen your black man comin' round" and "Swear by God I'm gonna cut him down." they refer to a hanging and Neil is talking about how he wants to cut the man down from the tree.
Just my opinion, but I think he was singing this verse from the perspective of a white man who is attracted to a white woman, Lily Belle. He threatens to kill (cut down) a black man that she is seeing. "Lily Belle, your hair is golden brown, I've seen your black man comin' 'round, Swear by God I'm gonna cut him down..."
@@gesundheit602 Or maybe it is the Southern Man talking at first, then Neil saying he is going to cut the black man down fr the proverbial lynching tree.That's how I interpret it.
@@mikensd I think if that was the case Neil would’ve painted a picture of a hanging within the lyrics. The only way the phrase “cut him down” stands on its own is when it’s used to mean killing someone, it’s a well used phrase in the english language. It works as it is written the way I interpret it. In order to interpret it as having something to do with a hanging, you have to make assumptions.
@@gesundheit602 Just seeing this and no assumptions on my part. Neil explained the lyrics to this song in an interview soon after its release because of the controversy involved. The black man comin' round refers to the movement of him swinging from the rope. I'm not trying to be graphic, that is how he explained it.
Your comments at the end are the most meaningful and educated response to a song on You Tube. Shows your character and intelligence. Well done my man!
In high school my english teacher in the very early 1970’s wanted us to play a song from an artist. I played this and he looked like a deer in headlights
😂😂😂😂😂
Neil Young is a genius.
Your 8 minute monologue was 100% spot on. You said it all. Brilliant explanation of the song AND social commentary. Nicely done.
I find it disheartening that racism has actually gained traction in this country in recent decades. I'm gettin' old but I will not give up the fight.
It has not gained traction
You clearly have a lot of insight for a young guy, it's wonderful to hear you speaking your truth. I for one hope you never stop playing and reacting to these songs from American history that deal with such important issues. I'm an English guy in my 70s and I'll never tire of hearing all these songs from the sixties and seventies which had huge importance for me when they were first written and performed and still have such relevance today. Keep up the good work my friend, it is hugely important to me and many others. I bid you goodnight.
You do a great job interpreting these songs
Thanks! I try my best
My favourite song from my favourite Neil Young album. Great music and perfect social comment. And your commentary really nailed it. Who could ask for more? (PS, I'm a 73 year old white British man who went on his first anti-apartheid demonstration in 1968).
Love Neil Young and what he always stood for, very risky to write and preform this song even in the 70s but so powerful and thankful Neil wasn't concerned for doing g the right thing !
Great reaction
An artist who never sold his soul! ❤
He has always stood up, brilliant song writer.
This song is pure fury.
The song was released in 1970 - which makes it even more amazing that a white artist would write it and perform it back then.
He was hated for this song by southern bands and people, and I would always say to the ones I knew, "Well, if you're not a racist, why wouldn't you agree with the song?" Nothing but silence as an answer.
Neil Young - Canadian-born, was twice as shocked by many Southern people's attitude toward black people as he would have been growing up here. He is, and was, a powerhouse, fearless artist, who said what he had to say and was willing to take the risk and the heat. An incredible storyteller, and this is one of his most honest, soul-jerking, gut-wrenching songs. The guitar work (he has an incredibly unique style of playing - both acoustic and electric guitar) in this song becomes a perfect match to what the words mean, a masterpiece of simple but loudly stated agony. Thank you for reviewing this.
He has many, many more songs - all masterfully written and played - he is an artist well worth exploring.
It's very true "Sandra Peters". It was released in 1970. Since I am a person who lived and participated in the political and social issues of the time.
There were several ways we demonstrated our views, patches on our jeans with social statements, growing our hair, chaining ourselves to statues, sit-ins, and song. Artists were not afraid to be on what we considered "the right side of history".
I for one marched for equality with my black brothers and sisters. I protested our involvement in Vietnam. I refuse to rewrite history by calling it a war.... It was never declared a war by Congress.
I still see the struggles of my black friends and my integrated family.
A black student (male or female) has to be better than best to be recognized. If they're multicultural they have two strikes against them before they begin. It needs to stop.
We are supposed to be an enlightened culture...... I'm still waiting. But I will never give up!
Great song, your summation is right on.
I grew up in New England in a rural area. Everyone was White. Catholic/Protestent/Jewish. Not deeply aware of the Black/White racial issues. Yes, 'Southern Man' was truly a profound song when it came out. It took me years to get deeper insights into how racism is embedded in our 'DNA".. Appreciate your comments, on all the songs you listen too. Love your commentaries and the songs you play. Keep up the GREAT WORK
Wow!! Awesome Song!! Heavy! ❤
Great tune by one of our musical icons . . . I have been listening to NY since I was just a kid . . . his music never gets old . . . enjoyed your analysis JMBOY . . . cheers and thanks!
Love Neil for this song and Ohio. BTW your reaction is spot on. 👍👍
The rage and pain in his voice and coming from his guitar are stunning. If Ron DeSantis heard this he would try to outlaw it.
Eye roll
Nope ONLY DEMONCRAPPERS hate it...need to hear Love and Only Love from his Ragged Glory album which expound on this
Neil Young is Canadian. I think he was shocked by racism in southern USA. Canada is dealing with racism too. Everything you said JM is true. I am a white 74 year old Canadian woman. I am sad and dismayed that White Supremacy is operating so strongly in Republican politics. I often wonder when humans will see that we are all members of one family and that is a wonderful thing.
Interesting, I didn’t know he was from Canada! Makes sense
You may want to educate yourself about American history. It was actually the Democratic party that tried to keep slavery, formed the Ku Klux Klan and consistently voted against civil rights in the 1960s. Abraham Lincoln was a Republican. vua-cam.com/video/g_a7dQXilCo/v-deo.html
And now Neil is a United States citizen❤
You dont understand the song. He wants to cut him down so they wont kill him
Your comments were excellent, JM. You've got nothing at all to apologize for or explain.
And I appreciate that you listened to Neil's words that carefully. It's one hell of a song.
Look up 'Sweet Home Alabama, 'and the 'conversation' between Neil and Skynyrd, if you don't already know about it.
Wild stuff.
Great song, one of the most talented from 60’s to now
Thank you for your insight and response to this song. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama is, of course, the response from Ronnie VanZandt to Neil Young. The band Drive-by-Truckers have a song Ronnie and Neil that discusses both and provides an epilogue to the story. I strongly recommend it to everyone interested in digging into the story.
First thing I thought of. GREAT times musically.
Outstanding and well thought out commentary!. Thank you.
Neil Young had the blackmans back even in the late 60's and Early seventies!!
It’s a great song, so much talent
I'm sorry that in 2024 you're still dealing with ignorance and hatred ! Let that crap roll off back if possible !
This song is deep. As a child I lived in the country until I was 6. My mother moved us to an apartment in the city, the not nice part. The people across the hall were a black man and a white woman. Being 6 years old and from a very small country town I had very little exposure to another race.
I didn’t think much of it, I was just a kid and thought everyone was nice.a few weeks later I saw the man and he was beat up, I asked why. He said because he was a black man with a white woman. I remember this so well because it was my first experience with racism. This was in 1978.
Listen to Lynard Skynard Sweet Home Alabama. It’s their response to Neil Young
It was Skynards response to Neils Alabama, not Southern Man. But regardless, Neil is very much still around.
@@glenndespres5317 No it was in response to this song. They even include it in their lyrics…Southern man don’t need him around
@@MikeHart72 OK. It may have been both songs. But I’m thinking it didn’t get personal until Alabama was called out specifically.
It’s Southern Man. The rest of the story is Ronnie calling Neil to run this lyric, and the story’s context by him. Van Zant had great respect for Neil and would have changed it had Neil found any trouble with it. He didn’t. In fact he understood the importance of the impact it gave the subject matter. They both shared a common hatred of lingering racism in the post Civil Rights Era. Neil was (as mentioned earlier) impressed with Ronnie’s respect, and the two became fast friends within the songwriting community.
Good post, young man. I lived through many years of this history. Don't worry about anybody who doesn't show respect. At least they are listening to your post. I will check out your channel and see if I can make some suggestions for you. Been around since 1948.
Man, I've always enjoyed your reactions when I remember to watch them (don't hate me I follow a lot of people), but this really points out how organized and sharp you are in commentary. You, off-the-cuff (well, it felt that way okay) gave an essay with grace that offers and emphasizes dignity for everyone without preaching, but also without fear. Tellin' it like it is. I enjoyed your discussion just as much as I do the song, and that is quite a dang bit.
Appreciate the take. And Neil's guitars.
You are 100 perfect accurate, my friend. Whites have an advantage, and I have seen this personally. I grew up poor on a small dirt farm and lived in a four room shack with no indoor plumbing in the early 60s and was not accepted by most people who were more fortunate than my family but we were treated much better than black families who were well off.
No they dont
I liked your comments at the end. You were really paying attention to the song & lyrics.
I love Neil Young and this song. Thanks for reacting.
I'm so impressed with your words on American racism. Well done.
Fortunately Society evolves whether individuals are ready for it or not, just like nature. We're living in another evolutionary phase, thank God .. love your values love your character and love your genuine reactions young man. Keep doing you. The world needs more like you❤
Great reaction ❤
Good song...great comments by you young man
The Piano was by Nils Loefgrin...he was later in his own band Grin and Then with Bruce Springsteen
This song is the reason for the song Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Young is mentioned in it.
Southern Man was on the first Neil Young album I bought. The first several listens, I sat frozen. I quite enjoy watching your reaction,' mine was pretty much the same. Keep playing and reacting to a wide variety of songs.
Neil realiy continues this attack on Alabama from the next album, Harvest. Highly recommend that as well. Personaliy i think it's an even better song.
Great answer to the "go back to Africa comment". That made me chuckle.
Thank you.
Facts! Thank you for your bravery in explaining this and expounding on it. You told the truth and did it in a nonjudgmental way. I don't think I could have done that. I'm a 64-year-old Christian white woman who was deeply affected by the events of the 1960s (no parental warnings on the news in those days). I was almost 4 when Kennedy was assassinated, 8 when Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy were assassinated, but the one that gutted me was the assassination of Dr. King. I couldn't wrap my 8-year-old mind around killing someone who did so much good because of the color of his skin. Racism isn't innate; it's taught and modeled. Thank God I didn't grow up in a family like that, and neither did my daughter. This really burns her, too. I do agree, though, that racism is systemic in American society. So many problems we have in this country stem from its original sin of slavery that has never truly been repented of. Any one who wants to come at you or at me for my comments better know their Bible, because I will lambaste them with scripture and logic, and I will not be bullied. I'll just come out swinging harder. We must stand up to this disgusting trend of bullying because bullies are cowards.
His diplomacy is demonstrated by the fact that he extended them the honor of being referred to as men.
The reply to this was Lynard Skynnard's "Sweet home Alabama"😢
Great reaction. Love from an old white lady!
Fantastic commentary on a great song & incredibly difficult topic. I’m now following you to hear more of your thoughts. Tip of the hat to you 🙏🏻
"Cowgirl In The Sand"... My Favorite from Neil
Good choice. I love Cortez the Killer.
Almost as good as Down By The River
@2727rogers Ragged Glory much better album
Tremendous insight .
We can’t fix a problem if we don’t talk about it.❤
One of Neil's most radical songs. This and Alabama from his previous album inspired Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd to wite the classic Sweet Home Alabama as a diss track where he mentioned Neil Young specifically. Neil and Van Zant did come to be friends before the latter died. Whatever your opinions of either, you have to admit that both are powerful songs. Excellent analysis bro.
I've been trying to get him to come visit/stay in Hartwick N.Y... out in the country as my guest.
It’s really not too radical🤦♂️
@@adamherman3976 So how often have you heard a song about slavery and the KKK that holds the South culpable for the horror done to the Africans? If that's not radical, nothing is.
What a perfect reaction.
Thanks for the reaction, and for your amazing take on the history of race relations in this country. Amazing job of accurately encapsulating the actual history with your own experience of prejudice -- all with a smile on your face and good intentions in your heart. Well done! I'm curious: did you study history? Or just a history buff?
I’ve always loved history but in addition to that I wrote many essays on American history in undergrad so I studied it in depth on multiple occasions!
Great reaction to a great song and great commentary. Not an easy subject to tackle but very well done. Subscribed.
You cut to the crux of the biscuit, and with grace and style. As a Southern man or rather Southern gentleman, let me extend a hand of honest fraternity. We are not all alike, and far too many are not really gentlemen. I was tested in the first days of busing, when a riot broke out, and people were going at each other, mostly white ruffians causing the problems. We hippies hung out with black folk, so when a brother and I spotted one another while standing under a walkway, neither seemed inclined toward outward harm. Before long, we were sending representatives from our school up to Boston, to show them ways of resolving conflict. But Charlotte has always been more progressive than the hinterlands, both then and now. Intermarriage is the only answer...in every seeming instance of intractability. Arab and Jew, Shia and Sunni, Jekyll and Goliath...
Facts
Thanks for not stoppin vid.
Absolutely loved this album and most of the songs on it, was about 15 when l got this album and lm a white boy from oz, truly loved southern man and took me quite a long time to even realise what young was singing about,just the music emotion ,tone of singing with emotion is what set it apart to me.. ultimately the lyrics made sence of the emotions.
I just found you and have so enjoyed watching you react to some of the best music made. I’m a 68 year young lady, who loves all music but has a soft spot for old rock and roll. Try Leon Russell’s Salty Candy or any of his tunes. He’s Awesome! I’ll keep watching you keep listening to the oldie but goodies. Take care!!
Another great review - you have a great way of quickly getting to the point, while holding a big umbrella. A lot of wisdom in a direct but comprehensive way- 😘🍀
Neil Young's "Southern Man" was released in 1977. Great discussion, JM! Agree with you 100%! Thanks for another great reaction! ✌💙✌
Southern Man was from 1970.
@@williamfarr8807 - Yes, Sorry. I'm a little confused because the "After The Gold Rush Album" was released in 1970, which had this song on it. But I was googling to make sure of the release date, and for some reason it's telling us 1977. I don't know the backstory on the feud between Neil and Lynyrd Skynyrd over the song, but maybe it has something to do with that?
When speaking about Sweet Home Alabama people say, "Oh, but they all became great friends and sang each others songs and wore each other's tee shirts." That never meant dick to me. One guy said, "don't be a violent racist." The response was, "get lost." If someone says "don't be a violent racist," then you don't criticize them.
Neil broke a guitar string during the solo (the section where it drops out and the accompaniment keeps going) and got a new guitar plugged in and went back at it. Amazing!!
No he didnt
he’s canadian, and Lynard Skynard responded to this song by writing Sweet Home Alabama. Neil was commenting on the slavery issue, LS took it as a disrespect of their Southern identity. I would listen to that next
Having said that they got on fine, Ronnie would wear a Tonight’s The Night t-shirt at mid-70s gigs.
Skynyrd's last album's cover featured Ronnie Van Zant wearing a Neil Young tee shirt.
Neil Young wrote and sung Southern Man and Ohio. Gordon Lightfoot wrote and sung, Black Days in July. Amazing that these Canadians were bringing these issues to light.
Both those performers delivered those tunes more than a half century ago, yet they linger as soft echoes of real pasts.
hard to hear you experience that sort of treatment, still in this day and age. i've watched another reaction to this song and i am amazed at how cool and calm you remain. this song enrages me, i would think there would be a more visceral reaction to it. it paints such a horrible picture of what went on in those days. and as we have come to see, in many people this hatred and racism is alive and well. we should have progressed far past this by now. glad you got to hear the great neil young, one of my fav artists and songs. i grew up with such great music, rock, soul, r&b, disco, etc. so so much. love it all.
Neil caused quite an uproar in some areas of the country with this song about some people in those areas. Many replied with their own lyrics in popular songs. "Hope Neil Young will remember, a southern man don't need him around anyhow" ... Ronnie Van Zant - Lynyrd Skynyrd- "Sweet Home Alabama"
fun fact, Ronnie said later that Neil was one of his favorite artists of all time but he felt he just had to reply to this song since he said not all Southerners were racists.
Yet Neil was a pallbearer at Ronnie's funeral.
I'm pretty sure the song was not Southern Man but Alabama but either one will do.
@@jameshannagan4256 Ronnie was from Northern Florida.
@@BigTimeRushFan2112 Yes but the song Alabama is the one that pissed him off although they ended up being friends anyway. Aren't most of the Allman bros from Florida as well.
Absolutely loved your comments on this. Keep it up.
Leaving politics aside this is a great album. One superb song after another. I remember I was trying to teach myself acoustic guitar at the time. I bought the sheet music and learned every song in it---and played them all badly.
There is a documentary about Neil Y', a number of years ago, around the start of the Iraq/Afgan wars that America and Allies fought in,....Neil had an album about :"the wars". In this documentary, a fan, middle aged man was interviewed departing a concert by Neil. This man said that he didn't like that Neil gets "political",....ah, you can't really be a fan of Neil Young, without knowing and hearing his views and messages on society and history!
Your analysis was spot on.
I have black people in my family... Thankfully! I love them! I am a 72 year old white lady... Old hippie. This song was released before I got married in the late sixties. There was a lot of turmoil over racial differences in the south. I think the southern whites never got over having to give up their slaves and tried to keep the status quo as much as possible to the point of murdering anyone who tried to make any changes. There is a very old song entitled "Strange Fruit" referring to the lynchings. My dad's family lived in Alabama when they came over from Germany and we went to visit the relatives. It was horrific!! 😢😭😫
Excellent commentary JMBOY !!
Thank you🎶✨🕯️
There is another version that Young performs with Crosby, Stills and Nash that has a longer instrumental part that is even better because of the added elements of CSN🎶🎶
Live version on the live album '4 Way Street' amazing.
@michaelwelsh7362 exactly back to back solos by Stills almost each guitar calling and answering each other...going from left channel to right and back with Stills and Young....dueling guitars....and on that album they do Carry On with great guitar solos much better than the original versions....too many wimp boys never hear the electric versions with the guitar interplay...
Wow. great commentary. Usually when I chance on a reaction video what I see is people who just don't get it. Maybe it's just the difference in music today compared to the era this was released in and people aren't used to musicians putting themselves on the line for what they believe. Neil has always done so, and it was nice to see you go right into the heart of what Neil is driving at here. I'll check out more of your vids. Nice job.
When Neil Young put out the double album “ A Journey into the Past “ & on it was the song “Alabama “ . It was in response to this song that Lynyrd Skynyrd put out “ Sweet Home Alabama”. In the song he says that he heard Neil sing about her . Check these two songs out back to back
Neil Young has written some of rock music's very best protest songs:
OHIO
ROCKIN' IN THE FREE WORLD
CORTEZ THE KILLER
AFTER THE GOLD RUSH
POWDERFINGER
ALABAMA
THIS NOTE'S FOR YOU
Well said!
Great and important song. Neil addressed this topic again with "Alabama". And of course there was the south's response in Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama".
Great Reaction 👍🙏💯😎
I subscribed because of your comments and truths
Great breakdown 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Good analysis.
Like many Canadian artists that travelled and found the USA to be full of questionable status, and lost in the dark ages. More songs antiwar or anti-racism are from many NON-USA songwriters. Neil is master writer. Listen to "Black Day in July" from Gordon Lightfoot for a real observation of truth in Detroit 1967.
Yes and as a kid his family would make road trips down to Florida to visit relatives on his Mom's side so Neil saw a lot of stuff as he was growing up
After The Gold Rush was released in 1970. Your analysis is spot on.